If super-quick 0 to 60 mph acceleration is desired, the 2006 Mazda RX-8 provides the speed. The automaker’s specs sheet lists the 0 to 60 mph time at 6 seconds when RX-8 is equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission. That speed climb is easily achieved because of the short-throw gearbox, but the driver also needs to be quick with the clutch pedal. RX-8’s manual transmission mates to a 1.3-liter rotary engine that produces 232 horsepower at 8500 rpm and159 pounds-feet of torque at 5500 rpm. The new, 6-speed automatic transmission is a 2006 model year highlight. That transmission’s 1.3-liter rotary engine has been re-tuned to grab 15 more horsepower than the prior year’s powerplant. The 2006 engine with automatic transmission produces 212 horsepower at 7500 rpm and 159 pounds-feet of torque at 5500 rpm. Although a fast car is fun, oftentimes practicality has been overlooked. With the RX-8, designers and engineers wanted to offer a sports car for four. As such, both rear doors – which can only be opened if front doors are already opened – permit rear seat access without B-pillar blockage. Even minus the center pillars, the car’s unibody is still rigid as locking pins hold each door together and tie each door directly to the roof and floor. While the rear doors and the lack of B-pillar go a long way toward easy rear seat accessibility, the safety belt system – separate shoulder harness and lap belt – is just a confusing and cumbersome array of belts. (And on the test vehicle, the right rear passenger’s lap belt wouldn’t buckle into the lock position.) The RX-8 is still a captivating sports car, even in spite of its back seat safety belt complexity. MSRP of the RX-8 with 6-speed manual transmission is $26,435.